Lesser Spotted Britain

By Dominic Greyer

Photographer Dominic Greyer has spent the last twenty years roaming the British landscape in search of the country's most unusual placenames. He has an eye for quirky, rude and downright ridiculous name signs, and has photographed them all. But this is not merely a book of silly placenames – Dominic's exquisite, atmospheric photography, featuring the landscapes in which the signs sit, makes the images really special, and this book into a beautiful gift package.

Placenames include the famous Twice Brewed (Northumberland), Fryup (North Yorkshire), Long Length (Kent) and Camptown (Borders). There will be a few rude street names too (Lady Gardens, Great Gays, Bell End and Giant's Ring, for example).

The author runs a successful gift business featuring his photography on mugs, coasters, placemats, fridge magnets … anything you'd want to see a photograph of a funny signpost on, really.

This book makes the perfect gift for anyone who loves the quirky side of the country.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins UK
• Release date: Jul 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781910232712

Book preview

Illustration

LOGIN CARMARTHENSHIRE, WALES

Etymology ‘Little polluted river’.

Location Situated at the confluence of the River Taf and its tributary Afon Wenallt near the border with Pembrokeshire and close to Cwm Miles, Crosshands and Glandy Cross.

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ASSINGTON SUFFOLK, ENGLAND

Etymology Farm belonging to a man called Assa, which would appear to mean ‘ass’ with reference to donkeys.

Location Off the A134 near Hagmore Green, Sackers Green and Workhouse Green.

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NEEDLESS ROAD PERTH, SCOTLAND

Etymology If this were a dead-end lane it would make sense, but it’s not – see below.

Location Despite its rather disparaging name, Needless Road provides a direct link between the A93 Glasgow Road and Glover Street, so it’s handy for Perth train station.

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KETTLE FIFE, SCOTLAND

Etymology Pictish catt-el, meaning ‘cat-place, place where wild cats live’.

Location Turn off the A914 Cupar Road onto the B9129 between Balmalcolm and Kettlebridge, home to the Kettle Bowling Club, which conjures up a lovely surreal image.

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TWICE BREWED NORTHUMBERLAND, ENGLAND

Etymology An inn name for which there are folk aetiologies (King Charles asking if they would brew the ale again as it was so good).

Location On the B6318, also known as the Military Road after the 1745 Jacobite rebellion necessitated the building of a new road to transport troops; partly constructed from nearby Hadrian’s Wall.

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